Commercial Accountant

Job Purpose Summary

CMS Distribution is one of Europe’s leading specialist technology distributors, a growing and successful business with 500+ people across locations in the UK and Ireland, plus locations in France, Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, the US and China. 

In this role you will oversee a broad spectrum of general accounting tasks, financial reporting, and compliance activities including the operations of the Accounts Payable function, being the responsible person and Line Manager to staff in these areas. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and establish accounting processes while ensuring accuracy and compliance within the organization.

Role Responsibilities

•    Manage accounts payable function, overseeing the processing of invoices, payments, and vendor relationships.
•    Lead the AP Team of Team Lead, Specialists, and Administrators with large focus on Career Development, Mentoring & Training
•    Act as escalation point of contact when AP Team Lead exceeds sign of levels for risk-based payment decisions.
•    Develop and enhance SMART KPI’s to monitor performance and efficiencies
•    Work with the Group Finance Manager to move Accounts Payable Functions from Subsidiary locations (where practical) to Kiltimagh
•    Manage and reconcile “trade” intercompany transactions, ensuring accuracy and elimination during the consolidation process
•    Assist in Weekly cashflow forecasting for vendor payments to Group Finance team.
•    Lead month-end closing processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
•    Ensure timely completion of all GL reconciliations assigned to this role, highlighting any identified key risks.
•    Conduct thorough reviews of financial data to identify and rectify any errors or discrepancies.
•    Prioritise and manage tasks to meet established deadlines for month-end and year end reporting
•    Identify high-risk balance sheet accounts, review AP aged balances, propose action plans to address concerns, and escalate significant issues to senior management.
•    Identify and communicate commercial opportunities and risks as part of the AP process and vendor mgt, collaborating with the business to formulate action plans ensuring goal achievement.
•    Prepare and post journal entries as needed for accruals, prepayments and anything necessary for accurate financial reporting.
•    Assist with the preparation of year-end statutory accounts for external audit.
•    Foster a culture of operational excellence, financial accountability, and continuous improvement, driving process simplification.
•    Support Senior Finance management with adhoc projects.

Additional Responsibilities

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Must have experience in FMCG/High Volume environment.
• Qualified Accountant with minimum 2 years post qualification experience.
• Must have experience with Team Management and strong people skills.
• Strong process and commercial skills.
• Experience with SAP and or Robotic Process Automation would be an advantage.

Key Traits